Flow control assembly for an agricultural metering system

ABSTRACT

A flow control assembly for an agricultural metering system includes a first gate control rod configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter and a second gate control rod configured to couple to a second gate of the seed meter. The flow control assembly also includes a locking assembly configured to block translation of the first gate control rod at least while the second gate control rod is in a positioned that corresponds to an open position of the second gate and to block translation of the second gate control rod at least while the first gate control rod is in a position that corresponds to an open position of the first gate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/931,918, entitled “FLOW CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL METERINGSYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2015, which claims priority from and the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/075,171, entitled “FLOW CONTROLASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL METERING SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2014. Eachof the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to a flow control assembly for anagricultural metering system.

Generally, seeding implements (e.g., seeders) are towed behind a tractoror other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigid frame ofthe implement. Seeding implements typically include multiple row unitsdistributed across a width of the implement. Each row unit is configuredto deposit seeds at a desired depth beneath the soil surface of a field,thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. For example, each row unittypically includes a ground engaging tool or opener that forms a seedingpath (e.g., trench) for seed deposition into the soil. A seed tube(e.g., coupled to the opener) is configured to deposit seeds and/orother agricultural products (e.g., fertilizer) into the trench. Theopener/seed tube is followed by closing discs that move displaced soilback into the trench and/or a packer wheel that packs the soil on top ofthe deposited seeds.

In certain configurations, an air cart is used to meter and deliveragricultural product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) to the row units ofthe seeding implement. The air cart generally includes a storage tank(e.g., a pressurized tank), an air source (e.g., a blower), and ametering system. The product is typically gravity fed from the storagetank to the metering system which distributes a desired volume ofproduct into an air flow generated by the air source. The air flowcarries the product to the row units via conduits extending between theair cart and the seeding implement. The metering system typicallyincludes meter rollers that regulate the flow of product based on meterroller geometry and rotation rate.

Certain metering systems include gates configured to direct the productfrom each meter roller to a desired conduit and/or to direct the productto bypass the meter roller, e.g., to facilitate a clean-out process.However, it may be undesirable to open more than one gate concurrently.For example, the clean-out process may include blocking product flow tothe metering system, opening the meter roller bypass gate, and drainingthe remaining product from the metering system. However, if a gate toone of the conduits is open during the clean-out process, the materialmay drain into the respective conduit, which may at least partiallyblock flow through the conduit during subsequent seeding operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a flow control assembly for an agricultural meteringsystem includes a first gate control rod configured to couple to a firstgate of a seed meter. The first gate control rod is configured to movethe first gate between a closed position and an open position viatranslation of the first gate control rod between a first position thatcorresponds to the closed position of the first gate and a secondposition that corresponds to the open position of the first gate. Theflow control assembly also includes a second gate control rod configuredto couple to a second gate of the seed meter. The second gate controlrod is configured to move the second gate between a closed position andan open position via translation of the second gate control rod betweena first position that corresponds to the closed position of the secondgate and a second position that corresponds to the open position of thesecond gate. In addition, the flow control assembly includes a lockingassembly configured to block translation of the first gate control rodfrom the first position at least while the second gate control rod is inthe second position and to block translation of the second gate controlrod from the first position at least while the first gate control rod isin the second position.

In another embodiment, a flow control assembly for an agriculturalmetering system includes a locking assembly including a plate configuredto couple to a first gate control rod. The first gate control rod isconfigured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter and to move thefirst gate between a closed position and an open position viatranslation of the first gate control rod between a first position thatcorresponds to the closed position of the first gate and a secondposition that corresponds to the open position of the first gate. Thelocking assembly also includes a cam configured to couple to a secondgate control rod. The second gate control rod is configured to couple toa second gate of a seed meter and to move the second gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the second gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the second gate and a second position that corresponds tothe open position of the second gate. In addition, the locking assemblyincludes a shaft having a first end configured to engage the cam. Theplate is configured to contact a second end of the shaft at least whilethe first gate control rod is in the second position to blocktranslation of the second gate control rod from the first position viacontact between the cam and the first end of the shaft.

In a further embodiment, a flow control assembly for an agriculturalmetering system includes a locking assembly including a first plateconfigured to couple to a first gate control rod. The first gate controlrod is configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter and to movethe first gate between a closed position and an open position viatranslation of the first gate control rod between a first position thatcorresponds to the closed position of the first gate and a secondposition that corresponds to the open position of the first gate. Thelocking assembly also includes a first cam configured to couple to asecond gate control rod. The second gate control rod is configured tocouple to a second gate of the seed meter and to move the second gatebetween a closed position and an open position via translation of thesecond gate control rod between a first position that corresponds to theclosed position of the second gate and a second position thatcorresponds to the open position of the second gate. In addition, thelocking assembly includes a first shaft having a first end configured toengage the first cam, and a second cam configured to couple to a thirdgate control rod. The third gate control rod is configured to couple toa third gate of the seed meter and to move the third gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the third gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the third gate and a second position that corresponds to theopen position of the third gate. The locking assembly further includes asecond shaft having a first end configured to engage the second cam. Thefirst plate is configured to contact a second end of the first shaft anda second end of the second shaft at least while the first gate controlrod is in the second position to block translation of the second gatecontrol rod from the first position via contact between the first camand the first end of the first shaft and to block translation of thethird gate control rod from the first position via contact between thesecond cam and the first end of the second shaft.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an air cart, including ametering system configured to regulate a flow of particulate material;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a metering system thatmay be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a metering system thatmay be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1, including multiple seedmeters;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seed meter thatmay be employed within the metering system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering systemof FIG. 3, including a locking assembly configured to selectively blocktranslation of at least one gate control rod based on a position of atleast one other gate control rod;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the metering system ofFIG. 3, including a blocking assembly configured to block translation ofa first gate control rod;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering systemof FIG. 3, in which a first gate control rod is in a positioncorresponding to an open position of first gates;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering systemof FIG. 3, in which a second gate control rod is in a positioncorresponding to an open position of second gates; and

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering systemof FIG. 3, in which a third gate control rod is in a positioncorresponding to an open position of third gates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an air cart 10that may be used in conjunction with a towable agricultural implement todeposit seeds into the soil. For example, certain agriculturalimplements include row units configured to open the soil, dispense seedsinto the soil opening, and re-close the soil. Such implements aregenerally coupled to a tow vehicle, such as a tractor, and pulledthrough a field. In certain configurations, seeds are conveyed to therow units by the illustrated air cart 10, which is generally towed insequence with the implement. In certain configurations, the air cart 10may be configured to provide fertilizer to the row units, or acombination of seeds and fertilizer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air cart 10 includes a storage tank12, a frame 14, wheels 16, a metering system 18, and an air source 20.In certain configurations, the storage tank 12 includes multiplecompartments for storing various flowable particulate materials. Forexample, one compartment may include seeds, such as canola or mustard,and another compartment may include a dry fertilizer. In suchconfigurations, the air cart 10 is configured to delivery both the seedsand fertilizer to the implement. The frame 14 includes a towing hitchconfigured to couple to the implement or tow vehicle. As discussed indetail below, seeds and/or fertilizer within the storage tank 12 aregravity fed into the metering system 18. The metering system 18 includesone or more meter rollers that regulate the flow of material from thestorage tank 12 into an air flow provided by the air source 20. The airflow then carries the material to the implement by pneumatic conduits.In this manner, the row units receive a supply of seeds and/orfertilizer for deposition within the soil.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the metering system 18, as shown inFIG. 1. As illustrated, the air source 20 is coupled to a conduit 22configured to flow air 24 past the metering system 18. The air source 20may be a pump or blower powered by an electric or hydraulic motor, forexample. Flowable particulate material 26 (e.g., seeds, fertilizer,etc.) within the storage tank 12 flows by gravity into the meteringsystem 18. In certain embodiments, the storage tank 12 is pressurizedsuch that a static pressure in the tank 12 is greater than a staticpressure in the conduit 22, thereby facilitating an even flow ofmaterial through the metering system 18. The metering system 18 includesone or more meter rollers 28 configured to regulate the flow of material26 into the air flow 24. For example, certain metering systems 18 mayinclude ten meter rollers 28, each disposed within an independent seedmeter and each configured to flow particulate material into a respectiveconduit 22 for distribution to one or more respective row units of theagricultural implement. Such metering systems are known as “10-run”metering system. However, in alternative embodiments, the meteringsystem 18 may include more or fewer meter rollers, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,11, or more.

As illustrated, the meter roller 28 includes an interior cavity 30configured to receive a shaft that drives the meter roller 28 to rotate.In the present embodiment, the cavity 30 has a hexagonal cross section.However, alternative embodiments may include various other cavityconfigurations (e.g., triangular, square, keyed, splined, etc.). Theshaft is coupled to a drive unit, such as an electric or hydraulicmotor, configured to rotate the meter roller 28. Alternatively, themeter roller 28 may be coupled to a wheel 16 by a gear assembly suchthat rotation of the wheel 16 drives the meter roller 28 to rotate. Sucha configuration automatically varies the rotation rate of the meterroller 28 based on the speed of the air cart 10.

The meter roller 28 also includes multiple flutes 32 and recesses 34.The number and geometry of the flutes 32 are particularly configured toaccommodate the material 26 being distributed. The illustrated meterroller 28 includes six flutes 32 and a corresponding number of recesses34. Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer flutes 32 and/orrecesses 34. For example, the meter roller 28 may include 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more flutes 32 and/or recesses 34. Inaddition, the depth of the recesses 34 and/or the height of the flutes32 are configured to accommodate the material 26 within the storage tank12. For example, a meter roller having deeper recesses 34 and fewerflutes 32 may be employed for larger seeds, while a meter roller havingshallower recesses 34 and more flutes 32 may be employed for smallerseeds. Other parameters such as flute pitch (i.e., angle of the fluterelative to a longitudinal/rotational axis) and flute angle (i.e., angleof the flute relative to a radial axis) may also be particularlyselected to accommodate the material 26.

For a particular meter roller configuration, the rotation rate of themeter roller 28 controls the flow of material 26 from the meter rollerinto the air stream 24. For example, as the meter roller 28 rotates, themeter roller transfers material through an opening 36 in the meteringsystem 18 into a respective conduit 22 (e.g., into a conduit associatedwith a respective row unit or group of row units). The material thenmixes with air from the air source 20, thereby forming an air/materialmixture 38. The mixture then flows to the respective row unit(s) of theimplement via pneumatic conduits, where the seeds and/or fertilizer aredeposited within the soil.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a metering system 18that may be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1. As illustrated, themetering system 18 includes ten seed meters 40 supported by a frame 42.While the illustrated embodiment includes ten seed meters 40, it shouldbe appreciated that more or fewer seed meters may be employed inalternative embodiments. For example, certain metering systems mayinclude 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or more seed meters 40. Each seedmeter 40 includes at least one respective meter roller to control flowof particulate material to a respective conduit. Each seed meter 40 alsoincludes an inlet 44 configured to receive the particulate material froma storage tank (e.g., along a vertical axis 45). Furthermore, each seedmeter 40 includes a first conduit connector 46 and a second conduitconnector 48. Each conduit connector is configured to receive the airflow from the air source and the particulate material flow from themeter roller, thereby producing the air/material mixture. First conduitsmay be coupled to the first conduit connectors 46 and second conduitsmay be coupled to the second conduit connectors 48. The conduits may becoupled to respective row units and/or distribution headers that provideparticular material to multiple row units.

As discussed in detail below, each seed meter 40 includes gatesconfigured to direct the particulate material to the first conduitconnector 46 or to the second conduit connect 48. The seed meter 40 alsoincludes a gate configured to enable seeds to bypass the meter roller,thereby facilitating clean-out operations. For example, a first gate mayenable seeds to bypass the meter roller, a second gate may control flowto the first conduit connector 46, and a third gate may control flow tothe second conduit connector 48. Accordingly, the seed meter includes aflow control assembly 50 configured to adjust the position of each gate.As illustrated, the flow control assembly 50 includes a first gatecontrol rod 52, a second gate control rod 54, and a third gate controlrod 56. The first gate control rod 52 is coupled to a respective firstgate of each seed meter 40. Movement of the first gate control rod 52along a lateral axis 58 drives each first gate to transition (e.g.,move) between an open position that enables material to bypass the meterroller and a closed position that directs the material through the meterroller. In addition, the second gate control rod 54 is coupled to arespective second gate of each seed meter 40. Movement of the secondgate control rod 54 along the lateral axis 58 drives each second gate totransition (e.g., move) between an open position that facilitatesmaterial flow to the first conduit connector 46 and a closed positionthat blocks material flow to the first conduit connector 46. Similarly,the third gate control rod 56 is coupled to a respective third gate ofeach seed meter 40. Movement of the third gate control rod 56 along thelateral axis 58 drives each third gate to transition (e.g., move)between an open position that facilitates material flow to the secondconduit connector 48 and a closed position that blocks material flow tothe second conduit connector 48.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control assembly 50 includesmultiple handles 60 configured to actuate respective gate control rods52, 54, and 56. As discussed in detail below, an operator may actuateeach handle (e.g., move the handle along the lateral axis 58), therebydriving the corresponding gate control rod to translate along thelateral axis 58. For example, the first gates may be opened by moving afirst handle to a position corresponding to an open position of thefirst gates, and the first gates may be closed by moving the firsthandle to a position corresponding to a closed position of the firstgates. The second and third gates may be opened and closed in a similarmanner.

However, it may be undesirable to open more than one set of gatesconcurrently. For example, during a clean-out procedure, the first gatesare opened to bypass the seed meter, thereby enabling the materialremaining in each seed meter to flow through an opening at the bottom ofthe seed meter. However, if the second or third gates are open duringthe clean-out procedure, the material may drain into the respectiveconduits, which may at least partially block flow through the conduitsduring subsequent seeding operations. Accordingly, in the illustratedembodiment, the flow control assembly 50 includes a locking assembly 62configured to selectively block translation of at least one gate controlrod based on a position of at least one other gate control rod. Forexample, the locking assembly 62 may be configured to block translationof the first gate control rod 52 from a position corresponding to theclosed position of the first gates at least while the second gatecontrol rod 54 or the third gate control rod 56 is in a positioncorresponding to the open position of the respective gates. In addition,the locking assembly 62 may be configured to block translation of thesecond gate control rod and the third gate control rod from a positioncorresponding to the open position of the respective gates at leastwhile the first gate control rod is in a position corresponding to theopen position of the first gates. Accordingly, the possibility ofmaterial flowing into the first or second conduits during the clean-outprocess is substantially reduced or eliminated.

In certain embodiments, the air cart may include a second meteringsystem positioned downstream from the first metering system along alongitudinal axis 64 and aligned with the first metering system alongthe lateral axis 58. First conduits may extend from the first conduitconnectors 46 to corresponding first conduit connectors of the secondmetering system. Similarly, second conduits may extend from the secondconduit connectors 48 to corresponding second conduit connectors of thesecond metering system. The two metering systems may be configured toseparately provide two different products to each row unit (e.g., adouble-shoot row unit). For example, the second gates of the firstmetering system may be transitioned to the open position (e.g., viatranslation of the second gate control rod 54 along the lateral axis58). As a result, material flows from the first conduit connectors 46 tothe first conduits. In addition, the third gates of the second meteringsystem may be transitioned to the open position (e.g., via translationof the third gate control rod 56 along the lateral axis 58). As aresult, material flows from the second conduit connectors of the secondmetering system to the second conduits. The first and second conduitsmay be coupled to respective row units (e.g., via headers, secondarydistribution conduits, etc.). The row units may include two seed tubes,each configured to deposit a respective material into the soil.Accordingly, two seed meters may control flow of two separate materials(or the same material) to each row unit or each group of row units.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seed meter 40that may be employed within the metering system of FIG. 3. As previouslydiscussed, the seed meter 40 includes a meter roller 28 configured tocontrol a flow of particulate material into the first conduit connector46 or into the second conduit connector 48 via rotation of the meterroller 28. To determine a relationship between meter roller rotation andparticulate material flow rate (e.g., into the first conduit connection46 or into the second conduit connection 48), the meter roller 28 may becalibrated (e.g., prior to operation of the air cart, periodically,etc.). The calibration process includes rotating the meter roller 28through a desired number of rotations, weighing the particulate materialoutput by the meter roller, and then dividing the material weight by thedesired number of rotations to determine a product flow rate (e.g.,product weight per meter roller rotation). For example, the meter roller28 may be driven to rotate such that particulate material flows throughthe opening 36 in a direction 66. The material then exits the seed meter40 in a direction 68 through an opening 70. An operator may collect thematerial output through the opening 70, weigh the material, and thendetermine the product flow rate (e.g., based on the number of meterroller rotations that produced the material output).

Once the calibration process is complete, the operator may open a secondgate 72 to direct the material into the first conduit connector 46(e.g., if material flow into the first conduits is desired). Asillustrated, the second gate 72 may be rotated in a direction 74 fromthe illustrated closed position, which blocks flow into the firstconduit connector 46, to an open position, which facilitates flow intothe first conduit connector 46. With the second gate 72 in the openposition, the gate 72 engages a recess 76 in the seed meter 40, therebydirecting the flow of material from the direction 66 into the firstconduit connector 46 in the direction 78 and blocking the flow ofmaterial through the opening 70. Upon completion of seeding operations,or if material flow into the second conduit connector 48 is desired, thesecond gate 72 may be returned to the closed position, as illustrated.

If material flow into the second conduits is desired, the operator mayopen a third gate 80 to direct the material into the second conduitconnector 48. As illustrated, the third gate 80 may be rotated in adirection 82 from the illustrated closed position, which blocks flowinto the second conduit connector 48, to an open position, whichfacilitates flow into the second conduit connector 48. With the thirdgate 80 in the open position, the gate 80 engages a recess 84 in theseed meter 40, thereby directing the flow of material from the direction66 into the second conduit connector 48 in the direction 86 and blockingthe flow of material through the opening 70. Upon completion of seedingoperations, or if material flow into the first conduit connector 46 isdesired, the third gate 80 may be returned to the closed position, asillustrated.

Once seeding operations are complete, a seed gate positioned above theinlet 44 may be transitioned to a closed position to block material flowinto the seed meter 40. The material remaining in the seed meter 40 maythen be discharged via a clean-out process. Alternatively, the seed gatemay remain open such that the material from the tank discharges throughthe seed meter. The clean-out process includes closing the second andthird gates 72 and 80, and then opening a first gate 87. As illustrated,the first gate 87 may be rotated in a direction 88 from the illustratedclosed position, which blocks material from bypassing the meter roller28, to an open position, which establishes an opening 90. The opening 90enables material to bypass the meter roller 28 and flow in a direction92 toward the opening 70, thereby discharging the remaining materialfrom the seed meter 40. As previously discussed, it is desirable totransition the second gate 72 and the third gate 80 to the closedposition prior to opening the first gate 87 such that the remainingparticulate material does not enter the first conduit connector 46 orthe second conduit connector 48. Accordingly, as discussed in detailbelow, the flow control assembly includes a locking assembly configuredto substantially reduce or eliminate the possibility of having thesecond or third gate open while the first gate is open.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering systemof FIG. 3, including a locking assembly 62 configured to selectivelyblock translation of at least one gate control rod based on a positionof at least one other gate control rod. In the illustrated embodiment, afirst handle 94 of the handles 60 is coupled to the first gate controlrod 52. As previously discussed, movement of the handle along thelateral axis 58 controls movement of the first gate control rod 52,thereby controlling the position of the first gates. For example, thefirst gate control rod 52 may be translated from the illustratedposition, which corresponds to the closed position of the first gates,to an open position via movement of the handle 94 in a first direction96. Conversely, the first gate control rod 52 may be translated from theposition corresponding to the open position of the first gates to theillustrated position corresponding to the closed position of the firstgates via movement of the handle in a second direction 98, opposite thefirst direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow control assembly 50 includes ablocking assembly 100 configured to selectively block translation of thefirst gate control rod 52. As illustrated, the blocking assembly 100includes a plate 102 configured to selectively engage a correspondingplate 104 coupled to the first gate control rod 52 (via the handle 94).Contact between the blocking plate 102 and the control rod plate 104blocks movement of the first gate control rod 52 in the direction 96.Accordingly, movement of the first gate control rod 52 from theillustrated position corresponding to the closed position of the firstgates to a position corresponding to an open position of the first gatesis block, thereby securing the first gates in the closed position. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the control rod plate 104 is coupled to thehandle 94 via fasteners 106. However, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, the control rod plate 104 may be secured to thehandle 94 and/or directly to the first gate control rod 52 via anothersuitable connection (e.g., a welded connection, a bonded connection,etc.). In certain embodiments, movement of the blocking plate 102 alongthe vertical axis 45 may be blocked by fasteners 108. As illustrated,the fasteners 108 extend through slots 110 within the frame 42.Accordingly, the blocking plate 102 may be secured in the illustratedblocking position by securing the fasteners 108 to the frame 42 (e.g.,via tightening the fasteners). Alternatively, the fasteners 108 maycouple the blocking plate 102 to the frame and guide the blocking platealong the vertical axis 45. That is, the fasteners 108 may not functionto block movement of the blocking plate 102.

To facilitate movement of the first gate control rod 52 in the direction96, the blocking assembly 100 may be transitioned to a disengagedposition. For example, an operator may disengage the fasteners 108 fromthe frame 42, and translate the blocking plate 102 in the direction 112(e.g., by applying a force in the direction 112 to a protrusion 114coupled to the blocking plate 102). Accordingly, an opening 116 isestablished that enables the control rod plate 104 to move in thedirection 96, thereby enabling the first gate control rod 52 totranslate in the direction 96 toward a position corresponding to theopen position of the first gates. With the blocking plate 102 in thedisengaged position, the fasteners 108 may engaged with the frame 42(e.g., tightened), thereby securing the blocking plate 102 in thedisengaged position. The blocking assembly 100 may be reengaged bydisengaging the fasteners 108 and moving the blocking plate in thedirection 118.

As illustrated, a second handle 120 of the handles 60 is coupled to thesecond gate control rod 54. As previously discussed, movement of thehandle along the lateral axis 58 controls movement of the second gatecontrol rod 54, thereby controlling the position of the second gates.For example, the second gate control rod 54 may be translated from theillustrated position, which corresponds to the closed position of thesecond gates, to a position corresponding to the open position of thesecond gates via movement of the handle 120 in a first direction 122.Conversely, the second gate control rod 54 may be translated from theposition corresponding to the open position of the second gates to theillustrated position corresponding to the closed position of the secondgates via movement of the handle in a second direction 124, opposite thefirst direction.

As previously discussed, the flow control assembly 50 includes a lockingassembly 62 configured to selectively block translation of at least onegate control rod based on a position of at least one other gate controlrod. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 62 includes afirst cam 126 coupled to the second handle 120 via fasteners 128. Whilefasteners 128 are utilized in the illustrated embodiment, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the first cam 126 may besecured to the handle 120 and/or directly to the second gate control rod54 via another suitable connection (e.g., a welded connection, a bondedconnection, etc.). The locking assembly 62 also includes a first shaft130 having a first end 132 configured to engage the cam 126. In theillustrated embodiment, the first shaft 130 is coupled to the frame 42of the agricultural metering system by a support 134. The support 134 isconfigured to facilitate movement of the first shaft 130 along thevertical axis 45. In addition, the locking assembly 62 includes a firstbiasing member, such as the illustrated first spring 136, coupled to thefirst shaft 130 and the support 134. The first spring 136 is configuredto apply a force to the first shaft 130 in a direction 138, therebydriving the first shaft 130 into contact with the first cam 126.

To transition the second gates to the open position, a force may beapplied to the handle 120 in the direction 122, thereby driving thesecond gate control rod 54 in the direction 122. As the second gatecontrol rod 54 translates in the direction 122, contact between thefirst end 132 of the shaft 130 and the first cam 126 drives the firstshaft 130 in a direction 140 against the spring bias. Accordingly, asdiscussed in detail below, a second end of the first shaft 130 extendsthrough an opening 142 in the control rod plate 104, thereby blockingmovement of the first gate control rod 52 in the direction 96. As aresult, with the second gate control rod 54 in a position correspondingto the open position of the second gates, translation of the first gatecontrol rod 52 toward a position corresponding to the open position ofthe first gates is blocked. Accordingly, the first gates may not betransitioned to an open position while the second gates are open,thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the possibility of productflowing into the first conduits during the clean-out process.

Furthermore, a third handle 144 of the handles 60 is coupled to thethird gate control rod 56. As previously discussed, movement of thehandle along the lateral axis 58 controls movement of the third gatecontrol rod 56, thereby controlling the position of the third gates. Forexample, the third gate control rod 56 may be translated from theillustrated position, which corresponds to the closed position of thethird gates, to a position corresponding to the open position of thethird gates via movement of the handle 144 in a first direction 146.Conversely, the third gate control rod 56 may be translated from theposition corresponding to the open position of the third gates to theillustrated position corresponding to the closed position of the thirdgates via movement of the handle in a second direction 148, opposite thefirst direction.

In addition, the locking assembly 62 includes a second cam 150 coupledto the third handle 144 via fasteners 152. While fasteners 152 areutilized in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, the second cam 150 may be secured to the handle144 and/or directly to the third gate control rod 56 via anothersuitable connection (e.g., a welded connection, a bonded connection,etc.). The locking assembly 62 also includes a second shaft 154 having afirst end 156 configured to engage the cam 150. In the illustratedembodiment, the second shaft 154 is coupled to the frame 42 of theagricultural metering system by the support 134 and an additionalsupport 158. The supports 134 and 158 are configured to facilitatemovement of the second shaft 154 along the vertical axis 45. Inaddition, the locking assembly 62 includes a second biasing member, suchas the illustrated second spring 160, coupled to the second shaft 154and the support 134. The second spring 160 is configured to apply aforce to the second shaft 154 in a direction 138, thereby driving thesecond shaft 154 into contact with the second cam 150.

To transition the third gates to the open position, a force may beapplied to the handle 144 in the direction 146, thereby driving thethird gate control rod 56 in the direction 146. As the third gatecontrol rod 56 translates in the direction 146, contact between thefirst end 156 of the shaft 154 and the second cam 150 drives the secondshaft 154 in the direction 140 against the spring bias. Accordingly, asdiscussed in detail below, a second end of the second shaft 154 extendsthrough an opening 162 in the control rod plate 104, thereby blockingmovement of the first gate control rod 52 in the direction 96. As aresult, with the third gate control rod 56 in a position correspondingto the open position of the third gates, translation of the first gatecontrol rod 52 toward a position corresponding to the open position ofthe first gates is blocked. Accordingly, the first gates may not betransitioned to an open position while the third gates are open, therebysubstantially reducing or eliminating the possibility of product flowinginto the second conduits during the clean-out process.

Furthermore, as discussed in detail below, with the first gate controlrod 52 in a position corresponding to an open position of the firstgates, translation of the second and third control rods 54 and 56 from aposition corresponding to the closed position of the respective gatestoward a position corresponding to the open position of the respectivegates is blocked. For example, with the first gate control rod 52 in theposition corresponding to the open position of the first gates, theopenings 142 and 162 are shifted in the direction 96. As a result, theshafts 130 and 154 are not aligned with the openings. Accordingly,contact between the second end of the first shaft 130 and the plate 104blocks movement of the shaft in the direction 140, and contact betweenthe first end 132 of the first shaft 130 and the first cam 126 blocksmovement of the second gate control rod 54 in the direction 122.Similarly, contact between the second end of the second shaft 154 andthe plate 104 blocks movement of the shaft 154 in the direction 140, andcontact between the first end 156 of the shaft 154 and the second cam150 blocks movement of the third gate control rod 56 in the direction146. Therefore, the second and third gates may not be transitioned to anopen position while the first gates are open, thereby substantiallyreducing or eliminating the possibility of product flowing into thefirst or second conduits during the clean-out process.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the metering system 18of FIG. 3, including the blocking assembly 100 configured to selectivelyblock translation of the first gate control rod 52. As previouslydiscussed, the blocking assembly 100 includes the blocking plate 102configured to selectively engage the control rod plate 104. Asillustrated, contact between the blocking plate 102 and the control rodplate 104 blocks movement of the first gate control rod 52 in thedirection 96. Accordingly, movement of the first gate control rod 52from the illustrated position corresponding to the closed position ofthe first gates to a position corresponding to an open position of thefirst gates is block, thereby securing the first gates in the closedposition. To facilitate movement of the first gate control rod 52 in thedirection 96, the blocking assembly 100 may be transitioned to adisengaged position. For example, an operator may translate the blockingplate 102 in the direction 112. Accordingly, an opening is establishedthat enables the control rod plate 104 to move in the direction 96,thereby enabling the first gate control rod 52 to translate in thedirection 96 toward a position corresponding to the open position of thefirst gates. The blocking assembly 100 may be reengaged by moving theblocking plate in the direction 118 and/or enabling the force of gravityto drive the plate into the engagement position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering system18 of FIG. 3, in which the first gate control rod 52 is in a positioncorresponding to an open position of the first gates. As illustrated,the blocking assembly 100 is in the disengaged position, therebyestablishing the opening through which the control rod plate 104 maypass to reach the illustrated position. With the first gate control rod52 in the illustrated position corresponding to an open position of thefirst gates, translation of the second and third control rods 54 and 56from a position corresponding to the closed position of the respectivegates toward a position corresponding to the open position of therespective gates is blocked. As illustrated, with the first gate controlrod 52 in the position corresponding to the open position of the firstgates, the openings 142 and 162 are shifted in the direction 96. As aresult, the shafts 130 and 154 are not aligned with the openings.Accordingly, contact between the second end of the first shaft 130 andthe plate 104 blocks movement of the shaft 130 in the direction 140, andcontact between the first end 132 of the first shaft 130 and the firstcam 126 blocks movement of the second gate control rod 54 in thedirection 122. Similarly, contact between the second end of the secondshaft 154 and the plate 104 blocks movement of the shaft 154 in thedirection 140, and contact between the first end 156 of the shaft 154and the second cam 150 blocks movement of the third gate control rod 56in the direction 146. Therefore, the second and third gates may not betransitioned to an open position while the first gates are open, therebysubstantially reducing or eliminating the possibility of product flowinginto the first or second conduits during the clean-out process.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the plate 104 may beconfigured to block movement of the shafts, and thus translation of thesecond and third gate control rods, while the first gate control rod 52is in an intermediate position (e.g., between the position correspondingto the open position of the first gates and the position correspondingto the closed position of the first gates). For example, the size (e.g.,length) of the openings 142 and 162 may be particularly selected toblock movement of the shafts while the first gate control rod 52 is morethan a threshold distance from the position corresponding to the closedposition of the first gates. For example, the threshold distance may bea fraction of the maximum lateral displacement of the first gate controlrod 52, such as between 0.01 percent and 25 percent, between 0.1 percentand 10 percent, or between 0.5 percent and 5 percent. By way of example,the threshold distance may be less than 10 percent, less than 5 percent,or less than 1 percent of the maximum lateral displacement of the firstgate control rod 52.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering system18 of FIG. 3, in which the second gate control rod 54 is in the positioncorresponding to an open position of the second gates. As previouslydiscussed, to transition the second gates to the open position, a forcemay be applied to the handle 120 in the direction 122, thereby drivingthe second gate control rod 54 in the direction 122. As the second gatecontrol rod 54 translates in the direction 122, contact between thefirst end 132 of the shaft 130 and the first cam 126 drives the firstshaft 130 in the direction 140 against the spring bias. Accordingly, asecond end 164 of the first shaft 130 extends through the opening 142 inthe control rod plate 104, thereby blocking movement of the first gatecontrol rod 52 in the direction 96. As a result, with the second gatecontrol rod 54 in a position corresponding to the open position of thesecond gates, translation of the first gate control rod 52 toward aposition corresponding to the open position of the first gates isblocked. Accordingly, the first gates may not be transitioned to an openposition while the second gates are open, thereby substantially reducingor eliminating the possibility of product flowing into the firstconduits during the clean-out process.

In addition, it should be appreciated that certain components of thelocking assembly 62 may be configured to block movement of the firstgate control rod 52 while the second gate control rod 54 is in anintermediate position (e.g., between the position corresponding to theopen position of the second gates and the position corresponding to theclosed position of the second gates). For example, the length of thefirst shaft 130, the shape of the cam 126, the position of the plate104, or a combination thereof, among other component properties, may beparticularly selected to block movement of the first gate control rod 52while the second gate control rod 54 is more than a threshold distancefrom the position corresponding to the closed position of the secondgates. For example, the threshold distance may be a fraction of themaximum lateral displacement of the second gate control rod 54, such asbetween 0.01 percent and 25 percent, between 0.1 percent and 10 percent,or between 0.5 percent and 5 percent. By way of example, the thresholddistance may be less than 10 percent, less than 5 percent, or less than1 percent of the maximum lateral displacement of the second gate controlrod 54.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a portion of the metering system18 of FIG. 3, in which a third gate control rod 56 is in a positioncorresponding to an open position of the third gates. As previouslydiscussed, to transition the third gates to the open position, a forcemay be applied to the handle 144 in the direction 146, thereby drivingthe third gate control rod 56 in the direction 146. As the third gatecontrol rod 56 translates in the direction 146, contact between thefirst end 156 of the shaft 154 and the second cam 150 drives the secondshaft 154 in the direction 140 against the spring bias. Accordingly, asecond end 166 of the second shaft 154 extends through an opening 162 inthe control rod plate 104, thereby blocking movement of the first gatecontrol rod 52 in the direction 96. As a result, with the third gatecontrol rod 56 in a position corresponding to the open position of thethird gates, translation of the first gate control rod 52 toward aposition corresponding to the open position of the first gates isblocked. Accordingly, the first gates may not be transitioned to an openposition while the third gates are open, thereby substantially reducingor eliminating the possibility of product flowing into the secondconduits during the clean-out process.

In addition, it should be appreciated that certain components of thelocking assembly 62 may be configured to block movement of the firstgate control rod 52 while the third gate control rod 56 is in anintermediate position (e.g., between the position corresponding to theopen position of the third gates and the position corresponding to theclosed position of the third gates). For example, the length of thesecond shaft 154, the shape of the cam 150, the position of the plate104, or a combination thereof, among other component properties, may beparticularly selected to block movement of the first gate control rod 52while the third gate control rod 56 is more than a threshold distancefrom the position corresponding to the closed position of the thirdgates. For example, the threshold distance may be a fraction of themaximum lateral displacement of the third gate control rod 56, such asbetween 0.01 percent and 25 percent, between 0.1 percent and 10 percent,or between 0.5 percent and 5 percent. By way of example, the thresholddistance may be less than 10 percent, less than 5 percent, or less than1 percent of the maximum lateral displacement of the third gate controlrod 56.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A flow control assembly for an agriculturalmetering system comprising: a locking assembly comprising: a first plateconfigured to couple to a first gate control rod, wherein the first gatecontrol rod is configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter andto move the first gate between a closed position and an open positionvia translation of the first gate control rod between a first positionthat corresponds to the closed position of the first gate and a secondposition that corresponds to the open position of the first gate; afirst cam configured to couple to a second gate control rod, wherein thesecond gate control rod is configured to couple to a second gate of theseed meter and to move the second gate between a closed position and anopen position via translation of the second gate control rod between afirst position that corresponds to the closed position of the secondgate and a second position that corresponds to the open position of thesecond gate; a first shaft having a first end configured to engage thefirst cam; a second cam configured to couple to a third gate controlrod, wherein the third gate control rod is configured to couple to athird gate of the seed meter and to move the third gate between a closedposition and an open position via translation of the third gate controlrod between a first position that corresponds to the closed position ofthe third gate and a second position that corresponds to the openposition of the third gate; and a second shaft having a first endconfigured to engage the second cam; wherein the first plate isconfigured to contact a second end of the first shaft and a second endof the second shaft at least while the first gate control rod is in thesecond position to block translation of the second gate control rod fromthe first position via contact between the first cam and the first endof the first shaft and to block translation of the third gate controlrod from the first position via contact between the second cam and thefirst end of the second shaft.
 2. The flow control assembly of claim 1,wherein the first plate comprises a first opening configured tosubstantially align with the second end of the first shaft while thefirst gate control rod is in the first position to facilitate movementof the first shaft through the first plate as the second gate controlrod translates from the first position toward the second position. 3.The flow control assembly of claim 2, wherein the first plate isconfigured to contact the first shaft while the first shaft extends atleast partially through the first opening to block translation of thefirst gate control rod from the first position.
 4. The flow controlassembly of claim 1, wherein the first plate comprises a second openingconfigured to substantially align with the second end of the secondshaft while the first gate control rod is in the first position tofacilitate movement of the second shaft through the first plate as thethird gate control rod translates from the first position toward thesecond position.
 5. The flow control assembly of claim 4, wherein thefirst plate is configured to contact the second shaft while the secondshaft extends at least partially through the second opening to blocktranslation of the first gate control rod from the first position. 6.The flow control assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking assemblycomprises a first biasing member coupled to the first shaft, and thefirst biasing member is configured to urge the first end of the firstshaft into contact with the first cam.
 7. The flow control assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the locking assembly comprises a second biasing membercoupled to the second shaft, and the second biasing member is configuredto urge the first end of the second shaft into contact with the secondcam.
 8. The flow control assembly of claim 1, comprising a second plateconfigured to selectively engage the first plate to block translation ofthe first gate control rod from the first position.
 9. A flow controlassembly for an agricultural metering system comprising: a first gatecontrol rod configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter,wherein the first gate control rod is configured to move the first gatebetween a closed position and an open position via translation of thefirst gate control rod between a first position that corresponds to theclosed position of the first gate and a second position that correspondsto the open position of the first gate; a second gate control rodconfigured to couple to a second gate of the seed meter, wherein thesecond gate control rod is configured to move the second gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the second gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the second gate and a second position that corresponds tothe open position of the second gate; a third gate control rodconfigured to couple to a third gate of the seed meter, wherein thethird gate control rod is configured to move the third gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the third gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the third gate and a second position that corresponds to theopen position of the third gate; and a locking assembly comprising: afirst plate coupled to the first gate control rod; a first cam coupledto the second gate control rod; a first shaft having a first endconfigured to engage the first cam; a second cam coupled to the thirdgate control rod; and a second shaft having a first end configured toengage the second cam; wherein the first plate is configured to contacta second end of the first shaft and a second end of the second shaft atleast while the first gate control rod is in the second position toblock translation of the second gate control rod from the first positionvia contact between the first cam and the first end of the first shaftand to block translation of the third gate control rod from the firstposition via contact between the second cam and the first end of thesecond shaft.
 10. The flow control assembly of claim 9, comprising afirst handle coupled to the first gate control rod to facilitatetranslation of the first gate control rod, a second handle coupled tothe second gate control rod to facilitate translation of the second gatecontrol rod, and a third handle coupled to the third gate control rod tofacilitate translation of the third gate control rod.
 11. The flowcontrol assembly of claim 9, comprising a support configured to couplethe first shaft and the second shaft to a frame of the agriculturalmetering system, wherein the support is configured to facilitatemovement of the first shaft in response to translation of the secondgate control rod and to facilitate movement of the second shaft inresponse to translation of the third gate control rod.
 12. The flowcontrol assembly of claim 9, wherein the first plate comprises a firstopening configured to substantially align with the second end of thefirst shaft while the first gate control rod is in the first position tofacilitate movement of the first shaft through the first plate as thesecond gate control rod translates from the first position toward thesecond position, and the first plate comprises a second openingconfigured to substantially align with the second end of the secondshaft while the first gate control rod is in the first position tofacilitate movement of the second shaft through the first plate as thethird gate control rod translates from the first position toward thesecond position.
 13. The flow control assembly of claim 12, wherein thefirst plate is configured to contact the first shaft while the firstshaft extends at least partially through the first opening to blocktranslation of the first gate control rod from the first position, andthe first plate is configured to contact the second shaft while thesecond shaft extends at least partially through the second opening toblock translation of the first gate control rod from the first position.14. The flow control assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking assemblycomprises a first biasing member coupled to the first shaft, and thefirst biasing member is configured to urge the first end of the firstshaft into contact with the first cam, and wherein the locking assemblycomprises a second biasing member coupled to the second shaft, and thesecond biasing member is configured to urge the first end of the secondshaft into contact with the second cam.
 15. The flow control assembly ofclaim 9, comprising a blocking assembly comprising a second plateconfigured to selectively engage the first plate to block translation ofthe first gate control rod from the first position.
 16. A flow controlassembly for an agricultural metering system comprising: a first gatecontrol rod configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter,wherein the first gate control rod is configured to move the first gatebetween a closed position and an open position via translation of thefirst gate control rod between a first position that corresponds to theclosed position of the first gate and a second position that correspondsto the open position of the first gate; a second gate control rodconfigured to couple to a second gate of the seed meter, wherein thesecond gate control rod is configured to move the second gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the second gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the second gate and a second position that corresponds tothe open position of the second gate; a third gate control rodconfigured to couple to a third gate of the seed meter, wherein thethird gate control rod is configured to move the third gate between aclosed position and an open position via translation of the third gatecontrol rod between a first position that corresponds to the closedposition of the third gate and a second position that corresponds to theopen position of the third gate; and a locking assembly configured toblock translation of the first gate control rod from the first positionat least while the second gate control rod is in the second position, toblock translation of the second gate control rod from the first positionat least while the first gate control rod is in the second position, andto block translation of the third gate control rod from the firstposition at least while the first gate control rod is in the secondposition.
 17. The flow control assembly of claim 16, comprising a firsthandle coupled to the first gate control rod to facilitate translationof the first gate control rod, a second handle coupled to the secondgate control rod to facilitate translation of the second gate controlrod, and a third handle coupled to the third gate control rod tofacilitate translation of the third gate control rod.
 18. The flowcontrol assembly of claim 16, comprising a blocking assembly configuredto selectively block translation of at least one gate control rod of thefirst, second, and third gate control rods from a respective firstposition.
 19. The flow control assembly of claim 18, wherein theblocking assembly comprises a first plate configured to selectivelyengage a second plate coupled to the at least one gate control rod toblock translation of the at least one gate control rod from therespective first position.
 20. The flow control assembly of claim 16,wherein the locking assembly is configured to block translation of thefirst gate control rod from the first position while the second gatecontrol rod is translated from the first position by more than a firstthreshold distance, and to block translation of the first gate controlrod from the first position while the third gate control rod istranslated from the first position by more than a second thresholddistance.